Optical Sensor Ring Resonators Multi-Variable Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical sensors with ring resonators can only detect a single variable due to their configuration, limiting their ability to simultaneously measure multiple variables such as the presence or absence of different molecular species or environmental factors like temperature and pressure.
Innovation Solution
An optical sensor with multiple ring resonators of varying optical lengths, each equipped with devices to adjust resonance frequencies, allowing for simultaneous detection of multiple variables by shifting resonance frequencies in response to different measured variables, and using active layers for selective immobilization of molecules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single ring resonator is used with a specific coating for selective molecule detection, then the detection selectivity is improved, but the ability to detect multiple variables simultaneously deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is divided into multiple independent ring resonators, each with its own specific coating for detecting different molecular species. This segmentation allows each resonator to maintain high detection selectivity for its target while the collective system achieves multi-variable detection capability through parallel operation of multiple specialized sensors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal sensor platform that can detect multiple variables simultaneously by integrating multiple ring resonators with different selective coatings onto a single chip. This multi-functional system can detect different molecular species, temperature, and pressure concurrently, making the sensor applicable to diverse monitoring needs in medicine, biology, and environmental monitoring
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple ring resonators with different coatings are used for simultaneous detection, then the multi-variable detection capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple ring resonators with different selective coatings are merged onto a single chip substrate, sharing common infrastructure such as the optical waveguide, light source, and detection electronics. This merging approach enables simultaneous multi-variable detection while minimizing device complexity by consolidating common components rather than using separate sensor systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates tuning mechanisms that allow dynamic adjustment of resonance frequencies for each ring resonator. This dynamic capability enables the system to optimize detection ranges and avoid frequency overlaps, simplifying the interpretation of signals from multiple resonators and reducing the complexity of signal processing required for simultaneous multi-variable detection
3Adaptability or versatility
If ring resonators are equipped with tuning devices for frequency adjustment, then the adaptability of resonance frequency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resonance frequency of each ring resonator can be adjusted by changing physical parameters such as temperature or refractive index through integrated tuning devices. This parameter-based tuning provides frequency adaptability without requiring mechanical reconfiguration, maintaining relatively simple device structure while enabling flexible adjustment of detection ranges and optimization of sensor performance
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an optical sensor comprising an optical waveguide (1) and a light-sensitive element (4) for detecting light coupled out of the waveguide (1) and also various ring resonators (2), the ring resonators (2) being coupled optically to the mentioned waveguide (1) and, with the exception of at most one of the ring resonators (2), each having a means (5) for adjusting resonance frequencies of the respective ring resonator (2) and/or of the coupling between the ring resonator (2) and the waveguide (1) and at least two of the ring resonators (2) having different optical lengths in an initial state and being disposed for having their resonance frequencies influenced by means of different variables to be measured which are specific for each of these ring resonators (2). The invention refers furthermore to a method which can be implemented with a sensor of this type for detecting molecules of at least one substance.